Team dormakaba clinches inaugural Cape Epic African women’s jersey

Candice Lill and Amy McDougall won the Hannele Steyn Trophy for the first African Women’s team at this year’s Cape Epic and finished second on the final stage at Val de Vie on Sunday.

“This is a momentous occasion for every South African woman who rides a bike. They also finished fourth in the ladies’ category which is an exceptional achievement considering they only came together a few days before the race started due to both their partners withdrawing from the event due to injury,” says Shaun Frayne, MD of dormakaba South Africa.

Candice admits that despite the difficulty of the event, she and Amy worked well together.

“Even though it was initially tough going, we really supported each other well and persevered through the hardships. To become the first winners of the African women’s jersey at this prestigious event is an incredible feeling. We both hope this inspires women across the continent to come and compete in this category next year,” says Candice.

The Hannele Steyn Trophy forms part of an initiative by organisers to raise the profile of women’s cycling in Africa. The trophy itself is a fitting tribute to Steyn who won the Women’s category in the second Cape Epic in 2005 riding with South African Zoe Frost.

Additionally, Team dormakaba 2 comprising Carmen Buchacher and Samantha Sanders finished in sixth position overall in the ladies’ category.

“Carmen and Samantha raced really well together, and they did the team proud. It was a great performance by them both. The excellent results by both our teams provide us with good momentum heading into the rest of the season. Female cycling is really growing in the country and the competitive nature of events such as the Cape Epic is doing wonders to profile the sport at the highest level,” says Frayne.